habitual

[ huh-bich-oo-uhl ]

adjective

1. of the nature of a habit; fixed by or resulting from habit:

   habitual courtesy.

2. (of a person) having developed a specified character through force of habit:

   a habitual gossip.

   Synonyms: inveterate, confirmed

   Antonyms: occasional

3. commonly used, followed, observed, etc., as by a particular person; customary:

   She took her habitual place at the table.

   Synonyms: regular, accustomed

   Antonyms: unaccustomed

habitual

/ həˈbɪtjʊəl /

adjective

1. usually prenominal done or experienced regularly and repeatedly

   the habitual Sunday walk

2. usually prenominal by habit

   a habitual drinker

3. customary; usual

   his habitual comment

Derived Forms

• haˈbitually, adverb
• haˈbitualness, noun

Other Words From

• ha·bit·u·al·ly adverb
• ha·bit·u·al·ness noun
• non·ha·bit·u·al adjective
• non·ha·bit·u·al·ness noun
• qua·si-ha·bit·u·al adjective
• un·ha·bit·u·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of habitual¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin habituālis “relating to dress, condition, or habit,” equivalent to Latin habitu(s) habit ¹ + -ālis -al ¹

Synonym Study

See usual.

Example Sentences

"We are doing all we can to reduce thefts and pursue offenders, especially those prolific and habitual offenders, who cause misery within the community," said Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, the NPCC’s lead for acquisitive crime.

From BBC

If we, the media, are to break our own habitual preference for horse-race narratives over policy analysis, for predicting the outcome instead of reporting what it will mean for our communities, we will first need to stop the gamification of elections that we’ve trained consumers of media to expect.

From Los Angeles Times

We can point to a habitual and historic struggle in the subcontinent and on slow, turning pitches in other parts of the world.

From BBC

However Nick Johnson KC, who prosecuted the original trial, said in written submissions that the defence application was "misguided" and the jury had found Letby to be a "multiple killer and habitual liar".

From BBC

Cameroon’s ambassador in France insisted that Biya is “in good health” and in Geneva - his habitual base when away from home.

From BBC

Related Words

• addicted
• chronic
• hardened
• inveterate
• perpetual
• repeated